This year marks a major milestone for DreamWrights – its twentieth year anniversary. Founded in 1997 as a community and family theatre, DreamWrights was built on the values of collaboration, perseverance, dedication, responsibility, leadership, and education. Now, twenty years later, DreamWrights still upholds the same basic tenants as it did all those years ago, but with a broader focus. Just last year, DreamWrights expanded from a youth and family theatre to an inclusive center for community arts by offering new programming that includes open mic nights, art classes, and improv for older adults.

Joan Bitzer and her family of four were part of DreamWrights from the start. Joan has seen many changes as she’s participated and volunteered her way through the past twenty years. “Watching DreamWrights grow from an idea in 1997 to a huge and successful educational arts facility has been an absolute joy. When we started planning, we had a vision that has been far surpassed in both the size and scope of what DreamWrights is and does.” Joan’s daughter, Allison Witherow agrees, “What started as a few families in a small church basement has turned into an arts organization that has touched the lives of thousands in our community.”

Joan Bitzer with daughter Allison in the very early days of DreamWrights

Since 1997, DreamWrights has had an impact on literally thousands in the community. The magic of DreamWrights has reached more than 206,000 audience members with its touring and traditional shows and has engaged more than 200,000 people through camps, classes, workshops, casts and crews. Joan says that she hopes DreamWrights continues to grow and meet the needs of the community while retaining the values, opportunities, and wholesome atmosphere that has helped shape community leaders and strengthen family relationships.

Allison started at DreamWrights in 1997 as Janet Mara in Miracle on 34th Street and now holds a seat on the Board of Directors. Allison shares, “DreamWrights has been a part of my life for each of the 20 years of its own life. It has taught and continues to teach me life lessons about responsibility and collaboration. I think I would truly be a different, less driven person if it weren’t for the lessons I’ve learned at DreamWrights.”

Joan and Allison today

Throughout its history, DreamWrights has proven that there is a passionate audience for its valued programs. As a center for community arts, DreamWrights is poised to more fully realize its vision of broad access to its transformational programs and greater engagement with the community. To that end, DreamWrights has launched a capital campaign to raise funds to revitalize and reimagine its building and offerings to be able to attract new participants, audiences, and partnerships.

Joan has seen many changes to the DreamWrights building throughout the years, but she says construction doesn’t change the foundation of what DreamWrights is. “I would like people to know that through participation in DreamWrights, they can find a place in their community where people are welcoming and inclusive, where their children can be among good role models, and where adults can find a group of peers with whom they can share quality time and make life-long friendships.”

DreamWrights has had a long history of double casting. Twenty years of it, in fact. This has provided for more involvement and educational opportunities. And more fun. Traditionally, the two actors cast for the same role were very similar. Comparable in size, shape, look, and style. Hilary Adams, Director for Babe the Sheep-Pig, decided to mix things up and choose two very contrasting young actors to play the lead character of Babe. Ten year old Natalie Doran and twelve year old Noah Youcheff are distinctive in many ways: height, gender, style, but both had something that caught director, Hilary Adams’ attention. She explains, “I looked for poise, confidence, and natural ability to interpret text and find meaning. She also had the sense that they would be able to carry the show since they are on stage for practically the entire production. “That’s a lot of stage time to handle effectively for any age.”

Hilary is anticipating the uniqueness that each Babe brings to his/her show. “They both have wonderfully unique, inventive versions of the character of Babe. They are very different actors, and thus their “Babes” are both quite different from each other. That’s one of the really fun things to witness: two very different, equally effective, interpretations of a character in action!”

Both Noah and Natalie were eager to be chosen to be Babe, and even more thrilling for them was that their friend was chosen to be their “other.” The two had become pals while working together on The Wizard of Oz. Natalie remembers, “When I found out I was chosen to be Babe, I was super excited because this is only my second show at DreamWrights and I thought I wasn’t going to get a part this big. I was really happy for Noah and excited to find out he was chosen as the other Babe. I thought it was crazy…” Noah interrupts, “…because we were just joking about it during auditions! I was really happy too.”

Even at their young ages, these two are learning more than the challenging blocking. They are learning the life lesson woven through the story of Babe. Natalie explains, “The show itself has taught me that it really doesn’t matter what you are, you can be whatever you really want to be if you try hard enough.” Noah agrees, “Yes, you can be anything you want. That’s a strong lesson that people need to know. Babe is very realistic story, other than animals talking. A pig could actually herd sheep… It could!” Natalie laughs in agreement, “Yeah, it could happen with them talking animal language. But yeah, it could.”

Come to the DreamWrights farm show, Babe the Sheep-Pig, which opens Friday, February 10 and runs February 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 6:30 pm and February 11, 12, 19, and 26 at 2:30 pm. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 717-848-8623. Advance seats cost $10 for general, $14 for reserved. General admission seats at the door cost $12.

Jessica Crowe makes her living as a free-lance performance artist. She is used to performing in unique venues, from underwater-style theatres to big stages. But Jessica has made a place for herself right here at DreamWrights. “The funny thing is, as a performance artist, I travel all over the country but DreamWrights is my favorite place to be. It’s really cool traveling but this is feels very much like home for me and it has helped York feel like home.”

In only her third production at DreamWrights, Jessica has found her passion behind the scenes. “I love the acting aspect of working on a production but as a Stage Manager you really get to work with the whole cast and the crew and you get to know everyone in the production. Whereas, as an actor, you’re really more involved with the people you’re specifically on stage with. I love being able to work with everybody.”

Jessica Crowe with Jaci Keagy

During The Wizard of Oz, Jessica became quite invaluable to director, Jaci Keagy. Jaci explains, “The most effective stage managers are those people who can see what needs to be done and just jump in and do it. That was Jessica to a T. She was especially strong during tech and when the show was running. She was a good leader and kept her cool. I felt fortunate to have her.”

This time around, Jessica is the Production Stage Manager (PSM) for Babe, the Sheep-Pig. At DreamWrights, the PSM is the right hand to the director in a production. With her professional performance experience, and the lessons she’s learned at DreamWrights, Jessica shares her best advice for what makes an effective PSM:

Be Organized. “You have to be really organized with paperwork, be able to handle blocking, and be able to instruct your stage managers. Being PSM has helped to strengthen my organization skills.”

Listen. “Being able to listen and take direction really well are important because you have to pay attention to everything the director wants and make sure he/she has everything he/she needs to make the production a success.”

Be Flexible. “As the production grows, you have to be able to fit in where you’re needed and be able to make it a success. I’ve learned to take each moment for what it is and help out where I can.”

So as Babe opens this weekend and audiences sit back and enjoy the show, they’ll never know about the last minute mishaps or emergencies that may or may not be happening behind the scenes. The show must go on, and Jessica Crowe will be there to make sure it does… successfully!

As Hilary Adams, Director of Artistic Programming prepares to stage, Babe, the Sheep-Pig, her very first show at DreamWrights, she reflects on the theme of the show and what she would like audiences to take away from it. Adams says, “I’d like people to feel uplifted by the central message of the show that you should not be limited by what the world thinks you can do. Trying new things, no matter your age, even if other people at first laugh at your attempts, is essential to continuing to grow as a person. Maybe, like Babe, you’ll discover a new talent or skill, or maybe you’ll make some new friends along the way.”

Discovering a new talent or skill? Making new friends along the way? Doing something you didn’t think was possible? This is what happens to people who enter the doors of DreamWrights. Babe, the Sheep-Pig reflects so many of the organization’s values. Even the young actors recognize the life lessons that Babe teaches. Thirteen year old Makaela Cooper and eleven year old Maddie Trimmer both play the part of sheep in the play. Makaela shares, “It doesn’t matter who you are or what you look like. You can be whoever you want and say it however you want and do whatever you want. It is a message that both Babe and DreamWrights has taught me.” Maddie agrees, “DreamWrights gives you opportunities that you never thought you could have. You can be a sheep one play and a princess the next one.” Noah Youcheff, 12, who plays the part of Babe says, “The show has taught me that you can be whatever you want to be if you try hard enough.”

People of all ages will find humor, excitement, and poignancy in the show. Adams invites audiences to come along on the adventure, “There are a lot of fun action scenes combined with touching moments of connection between the characters as we go with Babe on his journey from a new arrival on the farm, to his big day as the first pig to participate in the Grand Challenge Sheep-dog Trials.”

As a special event, audiences are invited to visit with micro pigs, Dyna and Opal prior to many of the Babe performances. Dyna is micro mini pig. At around 30lbs., she is on the smaller side as some of these pigs grow to be 150lbs. She loves kids and attention and snuggling with her humans. Opal is an 8 month old Juliana micro pig. She knows her name, walks on a leash, and knows some basic commands (sit, come , spin).

Come to the DreamWrights farm show, Babe the Sheep-Pig, which opens Friday, February 10 and runs February 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 6:30 pm and February 11, 12, 19, and 26 at 2:30 pm. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 717-848-8623. Advance seats cost $10 for general, $14 for reserved. General admission seats at the door cost $12.

When I was asked to help provide movement and choreography for some of the animal characters in the upcoming show, Babe the Sheep Pig, I couldn’t contain my excitement. I would finally have the opportunity to explore how a farm animal like a pig or sheep might express emotions through movement that could range from despair to jubilation.
Perhaps that sounds silly, but actors rely on much more than just their voice to portray characters. Even with different human characters there is a wide “vocabulary” of movements that may be used in characterization. For example, introverted characters might use subtle gestures, while the most powerful characters take up the most space. A character’s walk is in many ways just as important as their lines.

Translating these concepts to characters from the animal kingdom proves to be a unique and thrilling challenge. I thought it might be insightful for the audience to share my thought processes for developing this “vocabulary” of movement that is going into portraying these delightful bestial characters.

Take the sheep, for example. They are mostly calm and placid and they desperately want to stay in their herd. They are almost unmoving statues when standing together in a close knot. When presented with a threat that could be dangerous, they move away. First slowly and then at a full run if the threat gets too close. Sheepdogs use this behavior to their advantage to drive herds of sheep from pasture to barn.

The sheepdogs are the monarchs of the farmyard. They are full of energy, their eyes darting from place to place always looking to keep the livestock in line and be helpful to their masters. Dogs have a unique canine smile and carry their heads high in pride, particularly when they are hard at work.

Finally, the character of Babe is a unique challenge. The character has a porcine gait, but the pig’s circumstances change dramatically through the story. How does a pig look when it is sad? Does a pig trot differently when it is really trying hard? How does a pig show the uncertainty of fear or the thrill of victory? You’ll have to come to the show to see for yourself. As you watch, be sure to think about all the hard work the actors put into imbuing these animal characters with movements that identify them as the animals they portray, while delivering their lines and exercising their craft.

DreamWrights’ inaugural Open Mic Night held last August was such a success that not only is it being featured again, but also the age limit for the event has been lowered. Aspiring entertainers 16 years and older are invited to share their talents, whether it be music, spoken word, comedy, etc. , at this Open Mic Night hosted by DreamWrights Center for Community Arts. Relax in the lounge-style setting while enjoying performances from members of the local community.

Stand up comedienne, Jackie Wyker, performed at DreamWrights’ Open Mic in August and is scheduled to perform again. Wyker, who has been doing comedy for about a year, enjoyed the first Open Mic Night so much, she is happy to return. “It was a great night. Good food, beverages and lots of talent. Both watching and performing was a delight,” Wyker says.

Jackie Wyker

Fellow comedian and Energy Management Advisor, Greg Billet, is also making a return appearance. “We had a great time last time, it seemed like a big excited crowd and that’s always fun. It felt like they came ready to laugh and have a good time. It’s cool that DreamWrights served drinks and food also. Everyone loves that!”

Ben Garner of Rent Sound Gear is running sound for the event. Garner says, “Rent Sound Gear specializes in providing sound for events like this. We’ve hosted many open mic nights before. We are looking forward to it.”

DreamWrights’ Open Mic Night will be held Saturday, January 28 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm. Food and drink are available for purchase. Bar service is provided by Tutoni’s. All attendees require ID for admittance. Cover charge is $5 at the door. The event is open to anyone 16 and older. Some material may not be suitable for younger audiences. Acts interested in performing are encouraged to go online or call ahead (717-848-8623 x1) to sign up for a 15 – 20 minute time slot. The $5 entrance fee is waived for those who register to perform in advance.

Even though the holidays and the traditional time for gift giving is over, that doesn’t mean that the need for new and gently used things at DreamWrights is satisfied. As you act on your resolutions to declutter and clean out that junk closet, to simplify your life, or to give something to a great organization that needs it more than you, we are happy to take gently used and new things off your hands. Please remember us as you sort stuff for your spring yard sale and clean our your garage. What might be hiding in your notions drawer that you don’t care about but we would benefit from?!

A HUGE thank you to those of you who have already heeded our call and passed some wonderful supplies our way. We are very grateful to to be the recipient of a Bluetooth speaker, pencil sharpener, labels, pencils and glue sticks galore. We wasted no time putting all of these items into use!

Tools
Corded Drills – Variable speed reversible
Cordless Drills (as long as the battery can hold a charge and the charger is included)
Grinder – got an old one that just sits on the shelf in your basement? It would do DreamWrights a world of good!
Hand power tools
Staple guns & staples

Misc
6’ or taller stepladders/ ladders
Fabric scissors
Folders for scripts (with brads for 3 hole punched paper)
Latex Paint (1/2 cans or more)
MailChimp license
Mirrors (full length on wheels)
Music stands
Quiet games and activities for ages 7 and up
Sewing machines- in good working condition
Snow blower
Working flashlights (do not need to come with batteries)

As we countdown the days to 2017, our twentieth year, we take a moment to relish our accomplishments and great memories from 2016.

10. Our transition from a Youth and Family Theatre to a Center for Community Arts

In March we began to transition our identity from a Youth and Family Theatre to a Center Community Arts. Building characters for life became our mantra while putting growth center stage was identified as the inspiration behind our capital campaign. As a Center for Community Arts, a new Innovative Programming Committee was formed and wasted no time sponsoring DreamWrights’ first Open Mic Night. Budding comedians, talented musicians, and a friendly faced magician graced the stage of our relaxed and casual space. We had so much fun we are planning to do it again soon!

Zombies in the elevator at DreamFrights

9. New camp and event programming

This year, DreamWrights offered a wider array of art and performance based camps as well as a few new events. Our first ever DreamFrights Haunted House was a huge success! With different fright levels, we were able to entertain young ones up through older kids and adults who enjoy the thrill of the scare. We hosted a tea parties during the runs of The Secret Garden and The Adventures of Peter Rabbit and we had cookies, cocoa, and caroling with Santa, Dorothy, and the Wizard in Oz earlier this month. Flippin’ Broadway, a cabaret of Broadway show tunes with a fun twist, was a crowd pleaser in February.

This year, DreamWrights benefited from the expertise of five guest directors: Andrea Unger (Our Miss Brooks and The Adventures of Peter Rabbit), Nic Ecker (Legally Blonde), Michelle Denise Norton (As You Like It), Kirk Wisler (The Beverly Hillbillies), and Jaci Keagy (The Wizard of Oz). In anticipation of the upcoming season, where we will be using six guest directors and three guest assistant directors, a formalized guest director process was introduced. The first introduction and kickoff meeting for guest directors was held in early December. Please join us in welcoming Guest Directors Rodd Robertson (directing Pride and Prejudice), Andrea Unger (Peter Pan and Mary), Michelle Denise Norton (The Taming of the Shrew), Timothy Storey (The Mousetrap), Chris Quigley (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), and Jaci Keagy (It’s a Wonderful Life) as well as Guest Assistant Directors Amanda Nowell, Kevin Alvarnaz, and Andrea Unger. We hope that our improved processes for these guest directors will make for an even better experience for our crews, casts, and audiences!

This year we honored the career of founding member, Diane Crews, and we welcomed Hilary Adams, our new Director of Artistic Programming. Diane’s DreamWrights career was memorialized in the naming of our black box theatre. Hilary has hit the ground running as she is currently finalizing the crews and casts of her first DreamWrights production, Babe, the Sheep-Pig.

We ended the year with a bang as we enjoyed our 4 minutes of fame on Fox 43‘s morning show on December 1. It was a great way to kick off our run of The Wizard of Ozas nearly every show was sold out. Our hearts, minds, and confidence was renewed as we remember that there’s no place like home – or your second home – as many of you call this place known as DreamWrights.

Executive Director, Ann Davis, with Mayor Kim Bracey and York City Solicitor and DW Board Member, Jason Sabol at Hats at the Hound fundraiser event

What began as a dream took a foothold in reality this year with the funds we have raised towards our capital campaign. We brought our message to the broader community through fundraising events like Hats at the Hound. Although we have not met our goal of $2.5 million dollars, we are standing strong at $1.8 million with phased construction plans and approvals from the appropriate local municipalities to begin moving forward with our construction this spring. We are excited for the opportunities the future holds with the new studio space, upgraded building enhancements, and expanded programming. We have received some amazing support from businesses and individuals alike. We thank you for your support. If you have not done so already, we graciously ask you to consider helping us get closer to our goal.

1. You walking through our doors

Your involvement is what makes DreamWrights the amazing community it is. People of all ages, from all backgrounds and experiences are welcome to safely explore the arts, try new things, and be part of something bigger than themselves. DreamWrights builds characters for life. We look forward to working together with you again in the coming year to create our best, brightest, and biggest year yet!

We’ve been good for goodness sake! This year, DreamWrights has taken the liberty of making a Christmas Wish List. We are hoping that Santa or his helpers might put a few of these new or gently used items under our tree (or drop them off at the box office). Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa!

Tools
Corded Drills – Variable speed reversible
Cordless Drills (as long as the battery can hold a charge and the charger is included)
Grinder – got an old one that just sits on the shelf in your basement? It would do DreamWrights a world of good!
Hand power tools
Staple guns & staples

Misc
6’ or taller stepladders/ ladders
Fabric scissors
Folders for scripts (with brads for 3 hole punched paper)
Latex Paint (1/2 cans or more)
MailChimp license
Music stands
Quiet games and activities for ages 7 and up
Sewing machines- in good working condition
Snow blower
Working flashlights (do not need to come with batteries)

Seventeen year old Paige Gross has attended all of the teen dances at DreamWrights. She and her friends have enjoyed them so much that she decided to take matters into her own hands. “I was inspired and thought it’d be fun to plan this year’s Winter Ball. I was talking to Jonah one day and we started coming up with ideas, not seriously thinking about actually planning it. But the more we talked about it the more we realized we wanted to make our ideas a reality.” Paige’s friend, Jonah Unger, is planning it with her. Jonah says, “I thought it would be a good learning experience, as well as simply being fun.”

These two are taking the lead and with the help of a small group of friends, they are planning a winter dance with a Neverland theme just for teens. Paige explains, “I’ve always loved the fantasy element of the story and the world of Neverland. Winter is a magical season, with sparkling snow, twinkling lights, and something cheerful in the air. Winter has an enchanting element to it, and DreamWrights is a magical place that celebrates the youth in everyone. At DreamWrights, no one ever really grows up. Just like in Neverland.”

The evening promises lots of music, dancing, and merriment. Refreshments like root beer served in tankards and other themed surprises will abound. A peaceful space, known as the Treehouse, will be available with games and comfy chairs for teens who prefer a quieter, less crowded space in which to talk and have fun.

All of the teens involved in planning this project agree that York offers far too few events like this for their age group. They hope that kids new to DreamWrights attend as well as those who are familiar. One of the teen planners, Lilly Einsig, sums it up, “I think it’s nice to have events like this around because it gives young people in the area a chance to meet and enjoy a fun night together. Even if you don’t know anyone or have never been involved with DreamWrights before, don’t be afraid to come. It’s the perfect place to meet new people and make friends.”

This special evening, A Night in Neverland, is just for teens ages 13 – 17. Join us December 28 from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm at DreamWrights, 100 Carlisle Avenue, York. Tickets are $12.00 at the door. Dress is semi-formal and themed outfits are encouraged (pirate, fairy, lost boy, etc.). Refreshments will be served.